My turn - won’t charge past 83%: Fixed #33

[Henry Ford]

I've had this issue. Here's my advice based on my experience.

Print out the SSM that @bmwhitetx linked above and insist that they do the battery module health check mentioned in the document. My dealership couldn't find the SSM in the system and tried everything else before they decided to run the health check. The health check WILL identify the issue.

Since your truck is drivable DO NOT drop it off without a plan to diagnose it. If the dealership doesn't know when they can get to it, tell them to call you when they can get you in or find another dealership. There's no reason to leave your truck at the dealership if they aren't working on it.

In the same vain as the above paragraph, get your truck back between the diagnosis and the repair. If they have parts it's a two or three day job. You won't need a loner for an extended period.

Be prepared to advocate for yourself. Maybe you will have an easier time than me but my dealership had a heck of a time getting Ford to pay for the battery health check. As a result they spent two days doing other, useless diagnosis... which Ford paid for!

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[TwentyTwentyThree]

Brian reached out. I shared my information with him. That is the latest update. I will update this thread leading up and post repair.

 

[TwentyTwentyThree]

Truck is in service. I miss it already.

 

[TwentyTwentyThree]

Truck diagnosed. One of the battery packs needs to be replaced. No timeline yet on parts.

 

[Zprime29]

Truck diagnosed. One of the battery packs needs to be replaced. No timeline yet on parts.

Early on it would take weeks, but more recently dealers have been getting better with the turn around time. Some 2-3 days, some better part of the week. Off the top of my head, it's about a half day job once they get the replacement module. The big things I recall are that it takes a few weeks after you get the truck back for the BMS to settle in and keep an eye on the coolant. There are several reports of it going below min, possibly due to the system not properly getting all the air bubbles out.

Fingers crossed for a speedy repair.

 

[TwentyTwentyThree]

Early on it would take weeks, but more recently dealers have been getting better with the turn around time. Some 2-3 days, some better part of the week. Off the top of my head, it's about a half day job once they get the replacement module. The big things I recall are that it takes a few weeks after you get the truck back for the BMS to settle in and keep an eye on the coolant. There are several reports of it going below min, possibly due to the system not properly getting all the air bubbles out.

Fingers crossed for a speedy repair.

Appreciate it. I preemptively bought a gallon of coolant.

 

[TwentyTwentyThree]

News is not great.

Dealer was kind enough to set me up with a loaner, but after a month in service - I am told it needs a high voltage battery contactor and there is no ETA from ford.

I reached out to Brian @Ford Motor Company who referred me to the 1800 number about getting a rental car from ford. After calling, I was told that ford doesn’t do that and currently there is no program for rental reimbursement, so it would be out of pocket.

Truck is still under the bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Now what?

 

[Henry Ford]

It's been in service for a month? Didn't it run when you dropped it off? If it still runs, pick it up and drive it until they have parts.

 

[TwentyTwentyThree]

It's been in service for a month? Didn't it run when you dropped it off? If it still runs, pick it up and drive it until they have parts.

I did not ask the dealer for that option. I imagine that had it been a safe option, they’d probably offer it. In either case, I would prefer to wait until it is repaired at this point.

Separately, this month long parts fiasco is not very inspiring given the end of production run and perceived repairability.

 

[Zprime29]

I agree with @Henry Ford's comment. If the loaner is not an EV, I'd ask for it back so I'm not stuck paying for gas. Set the charge limit to 70% and drive it until parts come in.

 

[Joe.....Montana]

I love the Lightning. Greatest vehicle I have owned. Owning it has motivated me to really try and go full EV. But stories like these only increase my concern of owning a FORD EV. Purchased extended warranty through Granger because I want to own the truck for AT LEAST 10 years. What's the point of a warranty if it takes 1 month+ to fix AND no loaner. Reaffirms never owning a Ford again (the Lightning is our first Ford...and possibly last).

 

[Henry Ford]

I did not ask the dealer for that option. I imagine that had it been a safe option, they’d probably offer it. In either case, I would prefer to wait until it is repaired at this point.

Separately, this month long parts fiasco is not very inspiring given the end of production run and perceived repairability.

I drove mine all summer trying to figure out the exact same issue you have. If there is a functioning truck sitting at a dealership you are making a choice not to drive it. I don't understand this choice.

If it's broken there's not much to figure out. Do you still have a loaner?

 

[The Weatherman]

Most states allow for for a lemon law buy back after 30 days with no resolution.

Might be worth checking your states program. Plus Ford might pickup the pace if you let them know your pursuing it.

 

[Henry Ford]

Most states allow for for a lemon law buy back after 30 days with no resolution.

Not on a three year old vehicle.

 

[TwentyTwentyThree]

Update: Dealer allowed me to extend the loaner given the shitty Ford news. I am very grateful for that. So. Yeah. Living my best life in this econoshitbox while my truck is awaiting parts.

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